RN-BSN Admission Application-Page 1

Florida Gateway College

RN-BSN Program

Application Packet

2018-2019

Table of Contents

RN- BSN Program Introduction and Description………………………………….2-3

RN-BSN Accreditation and Program Mission .………………………………...... 3

Philosophy of Nursing……………………..………………………………….…….4

RN-BSN Core Values and Program Goals………………………………….………5

RN-BSN Expected Learning Outcomes for Program Graduates……………………6

RN-BSN Expected Program Outcomes and Program Admission Overview ...……..7

RN-BSN Program Admission Requirements...... 8

RN-BSN Program Graduation Requirements..………………………………………8

RN-BSN Program of Study……………………………………………………….9-10

RN-BSN Admission Application Requirements..………………………………11-15

RN-BSN Program Supplemental Admission Application………………………16-17

RN-BSN Sample Letters….……………………………………………………..18-19

Florida Gateway College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the baccalaureate and associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Florida Gateway College. The Commission is to be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support an institution's significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard.

The RN-BSN program at Florida Gateway College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655. K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

PROGRAM INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION

Welcome to the RN-BSN program (RN-BSN) at Florida Gateway College!

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) program is offered online and is designed for the associate of science degree nursing (ASDN) graduate who has a current Registered Nursing (RN) license. Consistent with the mission of Florida Gateway College (FGC), the mission of the RN- BSN program is to prepare registered nurses with an affordable, high quality, generalist baccalaureate nursing education to meet present and future healthcare needs of their community and engage in life-long learning to advance the nursing profession. The Program allows ASDN graduates to develop skills necessary to prepare for leadership and administrative roles in coordinating and directing nursing practice and management of the care team.

The inaugural group of eight full time students started in fall of 2012 and graduated from the Program with a BSN degree in summer, 2013. Students are admitted in the spring and fall of each year. These students have the options of completingthe program on a full or part time basis, depending on individual choice, to allow a balance of meeting family and work obligations.There are 10 upper division nursing coursestotaling 31 credit hours. These courses include nursing theory, pathophysiology, health assessment, cultural diversity in healthcare, pharmacology, ethical and legal aspects of care, research and informatics, leadership, health care policy and economics, and community health.

Our faculty are highly credentialed and works closely with students to assist them with successful program progression and graduation. Graduates from the RN-BSN program are prepared to implement critical decision-making and leadership skills,while designingand ensuring safe, quality care for patients/clients with complex healthcare needs. Further, our graduates can assume professional roles within a variety of health care environments.

Many of our graduates have had a role change such to promotion, increased pay, and/or increased responsibilities in nursing. Further, many of them have either completed or are enrolled in graduate school such as masters and doctoral degree nursing programs. The RN- BSN program builds upon the ASDN program at FGC, which was established in 1964. Many of the area hospitals are predominately staffed by graduates of the FGC nursing programs and we continue to get reports that our graduates consistently demonstrate strong clinical competence.

Florida Gateway College serves a rural, dispersed, five-county district (Baker, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist and Union) in the crown region of North Florida. It is located halfway between Gainesville, Florida and the Georgia border and midway between Jacksonville and Tallahassee. The main campus is in Columbia County, five miles east of Lake City, which is the largest population center in the service district. The College operates a Public Service Training Center in Baker County, has facilities for training correctional officers in Union and Gilchrist Counties, and night courses in various locations throughout the service region. The service district, with an area of 2,683 square miles, twice the size of Rhode Island, is generally rural and encompasses approximately 114,600 citizens. The moderate climate, hospitality of the community, majestic springs, and beauty of the adjacent recreational areas draw visitors and newcomers from around the world.

Florida Gateway College has established a strong tradition of providing high quality, post-secondary educational opportunities to the citizens of North Florida. In 1970, its name was changed from Lake City Junior College to Lake City Community College to reflect the national trend towards community colleges. The College has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and SchoolsCommission on Colleges (SACSCOC) since 1970, with reaccreditation in 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010. It has now grown to be a comprehensive, public community college serving approximately 4500 students a year. As the regional and state needs have evolved, so has the college. In 2010, Lake City Community College underwent another name change, becoming FGC. The name change was the first step in moving towards seeking baccalaureate degree granting authority from the State of Florida Department of Education and SACSCOC. Florida Gateway College was given final approval to offer baccalaureate programs starting in 2012.

ACCREDITATION

Florida Gateway College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the baccalaureate and associate degrees.

Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Florida Gateway College. The Commission is to be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support an institution's significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard.

The RN-BSN program at Florida Gateway College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655. K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

PROGRAM MISSION

Consistent with the mission of Florida Gateway College (FGC), the mission of the RN- BSN program is to prepare registered nurses with an affordable, high quality, generalist baccalaureate nursing education to meet present and future healthcare needs of their community and engage in life-long learning to advance the nursing profession.

Florida Gateway College is committed to providing the highest quality education and training to the citizens of its unique, rural service area. We believe that each group, every community, every nation, derives all of its value and all of its power directly from the individuals who constitute those bodies. In a democratic society, individuals, each and every one, need to be appreciated for their unique, irreplaceable and intrinsic value.

PHILOSOPHY OF NURSING

The faculty believes that nursing programs at Florida Gateway College are committed to providing an innovative curriculum that provides students with knowledge and skills necessary to assume the role of the beginning nurse generalist. The nurse incorporates and practices the fundamentals of safety and quality in delivering patient-centered care. While delivering wholistic and culturally sensitive care, nurses embrace change through the use of nursing informatics and innovative technology. Nurses are encouraged to pursue higher education and a commitment to lifelong learning.

The nursing faculty shares a vision of building a program in which students are dedicated to a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and nursing judgment using evidence-based practices. As nursing faculty, our role is to foster the development of nursing professionalism.

The faculty believes learning results in an increase in self-understanding and discovery of knowledge, values and skills. Learning occurs in a supportive environment through a collaborative partnership that requires active involvement on the part of a student/learner and educator/facilitator. Knowles’ theory (Harper & Ross, 2011)of adult learning and Kolb’s (Bergsteiner, Avery & Neumann, 2010) theory of experiential learning are incorporated throughout the curriculum.

The practical/vocational nurse uses “specialized knowledge and skills which meet the health needs of people in a variety of settings under the direction of qualified health professionals” (NFLPN, 2003). The entry-level practical/vocational nurse demonstrates the essential competencies needed to care of patients with commonly occurring health problems that have predictable outcomes (NCLEX 2014).

The registered professional nurse provides a unique, comprehensive assessment of the health status of the patient, including the development and implementation of a plan of care. The nurse assists patients to promote health, cope with health problems, adapt to and/or recover from the effects of disease or injury, and support the right to a dignified death (NCLEX 2013).

Baccalaureate nurses are designers, coordinators, and managers of care. In addition to being an RN, the BSN-prepared nurse cares for vulnerable populations, evaluates the effectiveness of healthcare systems, participates in research, and assumes leadership and management roles.

PROGRAM CORE VALUES (GROWTH ATTRIBUTES)

Knowledge

Leadership

Inquiry

Skill

Service

Collaboration

Health

Elegance (Professionalism)

Diversity

Innovation

Program Goals

  1. Provide a generalist baccalaureate education that integrates knowledge from a variety of disciplines to inform decision making in the professional practice of nursing.
  2. Build skills in leadership and management necessary for graduates to coordinate high quality safe patient care.
  3. Advance knowledge and implementation of evidence based practices to improve patient outcomes through the application of basic research principles.
  4. Provide opportunities to enhance skills using patient care technologies that support safe nursing practice.
  5. Promote service to the community by advocating for policies aimed at reducing health disparities.
  6. Encourage collaboration with other healthcare professionals to deliver high quality safe patient care.
  7. Further knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention to improve health of individuals and the community.
  8. Promote role modeling of professional behaviors through attention to words, actions and appearance which exemplify high level respect for self and others.
  9. Expand knowledge and skills to competently care for people from diverse backgrounds of age, gender, ethnicity, culture, spiritual practice, and sexual orientation.
  10. Provide opportunities for students to design and implement innovative approaches that respond to evolving practice environments.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR PROGRAM GRADUATES

The Florida Gateway College’s RN-BSN program will prepare graduates to demonstrate the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice in preparation for their roles as providers of care, designers/managers/coordinators of care, and members of the nursing profession (AACN, 2008).

Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (AACN, 2008)

Essential I: Liberal Education for Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice

Essential II: Basic Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Care and Patient Safety

Essential III: Scholarship for Evidence-Based Practice

Essential IV: Information Management and Application of Patient Care Technology

Essential V: Healthcare Policy, Finance, and Regulatory Environments

Essential VI: Interprofessional Communication/Collaboration for Improving Health Outcomes

Essential VII: Clinical Prevention and Population Health

Essential VIII: Professionalism and Professional Values

Essential IX: Baccalaureate Generalist Nursing Practice

By completion of the Florida Gateway College RN to BSN program, the graduate will be able to:

  1. Integrate knowledge from a variety of disciplines to inform decision making in the professional practice of nursing
  2. Apply leadership and management principles in the coordination of high quality safe patient care
  3. Implement evidence based practices to improve patient outcomes through the application of basic research principles
  4. Facilitate the application of patient care technology skills that support safe nursing practice
  5. Provide service to the community by advocating for policies aimed at reducing health disparities
  6. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate high quality, safe patient care
  7. Apply knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention to improve health of individuals and the community
  8. Influence the practice of nursing through leadership behaviors that evidence mutual respect and understanding
  9. Promote holistic, culturally competent care for people from diverse backgrounds
  10. Design innovative approaches to manage complex and evolving care needs

EXPECTED PROGRAM OUTCOMES

  1. Within one year of program completion, at least 70% of program graduates (who respond to the survey) will experience a role change reflective of a promotion, pay increase, increased responsibilities and/or pursue a graduate degree in nursing.
  2. Within one year of graduation, at least 70% of program graduates (who respond to the survey) will report satisfaction with the Florida Gateway College (FGC) RN-BSN program.
  3. Within one year of graduation, at least 70% of employers (who respond to the survey) will report satisfaction with the FGC RN-BSN program.
  4. At least 70% of full-time FGC RN-BSN program students will earn a BSN degree within 1.5 years (18 months) of initial program enrollment.
  5. At least 70% of part-time FGC RN-BSN program students will earn a BSN degree within 3 years (36 months) of initial program enrollment.

PROGRAM ADMISSION OVERVIEW

The Florida Gateway College’s RN-BSNonline program is designed for the associate of science degree nursing (ASDN) graduate who has a current, valid, unrestricted, unencumbered Florida registered nursing (RN) license.

Applications are accepted year round and applicants are admitted either for spring or fall semester. The priority deadline for applications for fall admission is March 31st and for spring admission isSeptember 30th of each year.If an application is received after the priority deadline, acceptance is not guaranteed for the upcoming semester.

Applicants must have an associate of science degree in Nursing (ASDN) awarded from a regionally accredited college and a current, valid, unrestricted, unencumbered Florida RN license.

Continuous program enrollment is encouraged to support successful progression through the Program and graduation from the Program.

Students who have completed all general education requirements prior to admission into the program may be able complete the Program within as little as three (3) semesters.

PROGRAM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Program admission requirements are in accordance with the State of Florida Department of Education associate of science (AS) to bachelors of science (BS) Articulation Agreement. The Program utilizes the Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) to facilitate the transfer of credit for equivalent courses among the state's colleges and universities.

To be officially considered for admission into the program, an applicant must submit the following:

  1. Two (2) completed applications: the FGC Baccalaureate Application and the RN-BSN Program Application.
  2. A letter of interest describing reasons for pursuing a BSN degree and future career goals.
  3. One (1) professional,signed letter of recommendation writtenon paper.
  4. Documentation of a current, valid, unrestricted, unencumbered Florida RN License which must be current throughout the duration of the Program
  5. A photocopy of a current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider Card or Professional Rescuer for American Red Cross (ARC) Card. Please note that no other CPR cards will be accepted. CPR care must be current throughout the duration of the Program.
  6. A brief, professionally written resume.
  7. Copies of transcripts from all colleges attended.
  8. Documentation of earning a grade of “C” or better in all general education requirements and a GPA of 2.5 or higher in all ASDN prerequisite courses

Upon acceptance to the RN-BSN program, a Level II background check and paperless drug screening (10 Panel) plus, an alcohol test must be completed prior to clinical practicums using the Program’s contracted vendor and current status must be maintained throughout the program.

PROGRAM GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

In order to graduate with the BSN degree, students must complete the following requirements:

1.Fulfill the requirements of the BSN program (including all courses required for program)

2.Fulfill the foreign language requirement by completing two credits of the same foreign language in high school or completion of a postsecondary course at the elementary 2 level (meaning the second course in a foreign language sequence) in one foreign language or American Sign Language (ASL), or passing scores on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) for the elementary 2 level course.

3.Successfully complete all courses required for the program with a “C” or better.

4.Earn at least twenty five percent (25%) of the courses for the degree at FGC. In addition, twenty five percent (25%) of all upper division courses must be completed at FGC.

5.Fulfill all financial obligations to the College.

RN-BSN PROGRAM

Name: ______Student ID: ______ADVISOR: ______

Foreign Language ______(Two credits of the same foreign language in high school or eight credits of the same college level foreign language to graduate)

The following is a suggested sequence of the required courses.

Course Prefix/Number/Name / Credit Hours
Prerequisite Courses (Must be completed prior to admission to the BSN Program) / 9
MATH STA 2023 Statistics
*MAT 1033 is a required pre-requisite to this course / 3
SOCIOLOGY SYG XXXX (Any SYG 1000-2999 course) / 3
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY PSY 2012 / 3
Transferable General Education & Common Prerequisite Courses from ASDN Degree (must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 in the following prerequisite courses): / 30
SCIENCE BSC 2085 Anatomy and Physiology I / 3
SCIENCE BSC 2085L Anatomy and Physiology I Lab / 1
SCIENCE BSC 2086 Anatomy and Physiology II / 3
SCIENCE BSC 2086L Anatomy and Physiology II Lab / 1
ENGLISH ENC 1101 Freshman Composition I / 3
SOCIAL SCIENCE DEP 2004 Human Growth and Development / 3
HUMANITIES Any Gen Ed HUM 1000-2999 course / 3
NUTRITION HUN 1201 Human Nutrition / 3
MATH Any Gen Ed MAC or MGF course / 3
SCIENCE MCB 2010 Microbiology / 3
SCIENCE MCB 2010L Microbiology Lab / 1
SPEECH Any Gen Ed SPC Course / 3
Co-requisites* / 9
COMMUNICATIONS ENC 1102 Freshman Composition II / 3
SOCIAL SCIENCE Group 1: EUH 2000 or EUH 2001 or AMH 2010 or AMH 2020 or WOH 2012 or WOH 2022 / 3
HUMANITIES Group 1 or Group 2: (Individualized per student)
*Must take a different humanities group course other than the group you completed in your ASDN program / 3
Core Courses / 31
NUR 3846 Nursing Theory / 3
NUR 3125 Pathophysiology / 3
NUR 3826 Ethical and Legal Issues in Health Care / 3
NUR 4655 Nursing in Diverse Cultures / 3
NUR 3145 Pharmacology / 3
NUR 3065C Nursing Assessment (45 clinical lab hours) / 3
NUR 3164 Nursing Research and Informatics / 3
NUR 4636C Community Health (45 clinical practicum hours) / 4
NUR 4837 Health Care Policy and Economics / 3
NUR 4827C Leadership and Management in Professional Nursing / 3
Lower Division Nursing Courses (Any NUR 1000-2999 courses) / 42
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS / 121

*Students must successfully complete all courses listed on pages9 and 10 with a C or higher.